Massachusetts Aquaculture Center Funding

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is seeking grant proposals from the state's Aquaculture Centers for projects to assist the Massachusetts aquaculture industry. This funding opportunity, titled the "FY14 Massachusetts Aquaculture Center Funding," has a total anticipated award of $100,000 to be distributed among multiple grants. The projects may include initiatives related to aquaculture food safety, shellfish genetics and disease studies, mussel/softshell clam culture, finfish aquaculture outreach and research, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus research. Respondents must provide details on the significance of the need, how the project will address it, the measurability of the project's impact, and the quality of the budget. Proposals are due by May 19, 2014, and projects are expected to run from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

The Request for Response (RFR) states that matching funds are not required but will be considered. Additionally, Minority and Women Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) as well as Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOBEs) are strongly encouraged to submit proposals. The RFR does not mention any incumbent vendors or current contractors, nor does it provide any details on existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration.